Sunday, December 2, 2012

It gives me great pleasure to present an array of savory and sweet recipes featuring the November Monthly Mingle theme of Pot Pies! Filled with meat, fruit, or vegetables, a simple casserole takes on new depths to stab a fork into when covered in a crust of pastry. For those unfamiliar with the pot pie, wiseGeek has one of the best explanations of the dish's genesis and evolution. The frozen pies, a staple of my very austere childhood, have long held a great nostalgic value for me as one of the ultimate comfort foods, sharing equal billing with macaroni and cheese, and crinkle-cut French fries.

Thanks to all who joined in during these very busy times of holiday preparations, travel, and celebrations. And special thanks to Meeta, creator and torchbearer of the long-running Monthly Mingle event, for allowing me the opportunity to look back fondly on those far-away days when there was something baking and bubbling in the oven in a season of ironclad skies, damp chill, and frost-patterned windowpanes.

Please let me know if there are any omissions or corrections, and I will update as soon as possible.

I cook and bake in that cute little galley kitchen up there. It's not as tidy as it used to be, and the walls are a deep tagine red now, but it's a cozy, homey space where you are always welcome to drop in. You can reach me at thewellseasonedcook AT yahoo DOT com. I'd be delighted to hear from you.